Republicans Control Texas Courts After Elections

Texas' highest criminal court will remain entirely under Republican control after all three conservative candidates endorsed by Attorney General Ken Paxton, David Schenck, Gina Parker, and Lee Finley, won their races by wide margins. These candidates unseated Republican incumbents during the primaries, marking a significant shift influenced by Paxton's vow to replace judges who opposed his stance on prosecuting voter fraud. The court has been spotlighted due to the case of Robert Roberson, a death row inmate whose execution has been delayed by legal maneuvers citing due process concerns. With the new judges on the bench, Roberson's case might be revisited, though their loyalty to Paxton suggests minimal chances of a different outcome. Meanwhile, the Texas Supreme Court also remains entirely Republican, with incumbents winning despite Democratic efforts galvanized by recent abortion rulings. Paxton's influence in shaping the court's composition is evident, as he aims to overturn a previous decision limiting his prosecutorial powers.